Emergency Info

The following tips can help guide you in the event of a problem after oral surgery. If you experience any of these conditions, contact our office as soon as possible.

Soreness

If one or more of your teeth are sore, start by cleaning the area around the teeth meticulously. Use a saltwater rinse (mix 1 tablespoon of salt into a cup of very warm water and stir well) and rinse your mouth thoroughly but gently. You may also use a pain reliever such as Tylenol or ibuprofen, but do not use aspirin.

Swelling

If you notice any facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the swollen area and contact our office for any further instructions.

Bleeding

Place a thick pad of sterile gauze on the area and bite down gently. You may also use a clean cloth or tea bag if there is no gauze readily available. If the bleeding persists for more than a few minutes, or if the bleeding is excessive, call our office immediately.

Other Emergency Conditions:

Broken Tooth

Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments and get immediate dental attention.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or water. Because time is essential, see a dentist immediately.

Possible Broken Jaw

In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Go immediately to an emergency room.